Stolen From Superman-The Sequel To Waiting for Superman

Chapter 40- Reasons

I consider my options for a moment. I'd love to deny him my pride- to say no and figure this out on my own. But I think Ali would slap me for that if she was here. It's time to put my old feuds to rest, and move on. Mitch is not the worst person I know. He is not the one causing me pain. And now he can even help me. So it'd be stupid to refuse. If he can help me get her back, then it's worth it. "Fine. Who all has this technology of legends?" I ask, a tone of sarcasm still coming through my voice. He sighs. "Ian. He has military connections still. And Ryan can help as well. He's a good strategist. And Jerome, of course." He adds, voice almost nervous for my response. He obviously wants to get her back as well. Maybe not even as much for himself, as for his conscious. Maybe he can feel that he's redeemed himself morally if he does this for me and her. Either way, it's good for me. "Alright. But we can't be fighting all the time. That won't get us anywhere." I say, my voice relaxing a bit, but still serious. I know what I'm going to have to do to make this work. I'm going to have to let go of my bitterness and be nice to them; even Ryan. This is something I never thought would happen. "Deal. Meet me at the house at 2." Mitch says, and hangs up, probably before we can find something to argue about. I lean back in my chair, sighing. This could be a very bad idea. But, it just might work. In either case, I'm glad to be doing something productive.

*Ali's POV*

The torture goes on for a whole day. They burn patterns on my skin. They drown me for periods of time. Almost anything they can think of to hurt me, they do it. But I don't crack. I don't cry, and I try not to scream. It's really only the burns that get to me. I just endure it all, keeping Jordan in my mind. Finally, when it's over, they leave me in the room again, re-tying my hands and ankles. I can only sit, painfully existing. My burns sting and swell, especially the ones that are rubbed by the ropes on my wrists, which are already reopening the blisters that they created not 24 hours ago. My cuts continue to seep blood, and I shiver as the cold water dries on my skin. I'm uncomfortably hot on my skin, but cold inside. I have never felt so awful. Yet, I know that I'll be left alone for a few days. I'll get to be by myself, healing as best as I can on no food or water. Away from their taunting words and painful weapons. Left to my memories. Deprived of everything but my own mind, and even that, by the end. But I don't care. Maybe I'll get to die this time.

*Mitch's POV*

The hours tick by as if they were twice the length. I call Ryan and Ian immediately after hanging up on Jordan, to let them know. Tell them I managed to convince him, to my own, and their surprise. They come over within the hour, full of ideas and at the same time, worry. Ryan is in town for a convention, and Ian lives only a few miles away now. I've been back and forth between my various places of dwelling, but Jerome and I find it easiest to live together here.

Finally, it's 2, and there is a knock on the door. I rise from the couch where we all have sat in silence for who knows how long, the former happiness of the house long gone and extinguished by pain and sorrow. I let Jordan in, barely looking him in the eyes. I fear that if I do, one of us will snap, and that is not in our best interests currently. Smiling doesn't seem appropriate now, despite the fact that it would have been fake anyways. The somber tone in the room is physically tangible. My eyes flit to Ryan momentarily, as if to remind him of the agreement. I discussed it with everyone not too long ago. Now I can only hope that everyone is capable of upholding it. Ryan avoids looking at Jordan even more obviously than I do. Perhaps he's ashamed. Maybe he's just being an ass. Knowing Ryan, it could be either. He'll get over it soon enough. I sit, as does Jordan, and, for a moment, everyone stares in silence. A meeting like this has never happened before, save for forceful circumstances at conventions. Under our current situation, it's especially strange, and as a result, more taxing. What we are doing here should be strictly professional. But that's impossible. It's one of the most passionate things we could be doing. We are bringing together people that are polar opposites and biting at each other's throats in orders to save one girl that some of us barely know. We are challenging a major terrorist organization for the sake of saving Ali. And it's crazy. It makes no sense at all. So why do we do it? The others might have different reasons, but I know why I'm fighting. Ali is a special person. And I definitely owe it to her and to Jordan to do my best to end this. Not to mention, taking down these people could save so many more lives. It can revenge the deaths of those people in the hospital, and at the mall. There are so many reasons to fight for Ali. I see mine clearly.

A/N: Things are heating up in here! More to come probably tomorrow. And, I've almost finished the hard copy of the book. And let me tell you guys, its epic! Anyways, slap dat vote button if you enjoyed, and I want to see a flood of comments!

-Argo